News

In Focus

Transitional Justice and Media: A Crucial But Neglected Relationship

9/20/2016

In a society grappling with the legacy of the past, citizens must make informed judgements and disentangle the facts from the sticky web of political rhetoric, denial, and polarizing propaganda. To do so, they rely on one key agent of social change: the media. But how can transitional processes effectively partner with the media and engage key constituencies? And what happens when media play a decisively negative role in mediating information about war crimes?

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Special Units, Special Responsibilities: How Can Search Bodies Deliver Answers to the Families of the Disappeared?

8/29/2016

On International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, the families of the missing maintain their vow: "until we find them." As special bodies to search for their loved ones develop, what do victims expect?

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Colombia’s Chance to Fulfill its Historic Obligations to the Disappeared

8/29/2016

As the government and FARC reach a peace deal, they have agreed to the creation of a special unit that will search for, locate and identify the disappeared. What do victims expect from this new body?

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Press Releases

ICTJ Welcomes Historic Peace Agreement Between Colombian Government and FARC Rebels

8/25/2016

The agreement represents "an historic opportunity for Colombian society to build a peaceful future on foundations of respect for human rights and the rule of law,” said David Tolbert, president of ICTJ. “We have for years worked in support of victims’ rights in Colombia and will continue to do so with renewed energy and hope.”

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International Organizations Condemn Act of Intimidation Against Another Human Rights Defender in Guatemala

8/24/2016

The international organizations who have signed this statement are appalled at the illegal raid which occurred on August 15, 2016 at the residence of Guatemalan lawyer and human rights defender Ramón Cadena, Central America Director of the International Commission of Jurists.

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ICTJ: Reparations for Victims in Côte d’Ivoire Must Go Beyond Cash Payments

8/11/2016

A new paper from the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) offers clear, concrete proposals for a new reparations policy in Côte d’Ivoire for victims of serious human rights violations. The recommendations, informed by extensive work in the affected communities, consider a range of options, including compensation (cash payments), rehabilitation, and symbolic measures.

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Media Coverage

Colombia’s president: The remaining rebel groups ‘know what is coming’ for them

9/23/2016

On Oct. 2, Colombians will vote on whether to accept a peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerillas who have kidnapped, killed, raped and held hostage tens of thousands in a 50-year struggle. The deal was forged by President Juan Manuel Santos, who argues that it ends his country’s isolation and its cold war, and begins a new chapter in Colombia’s history. Santos, visiting New York for the U.N. General Assembly, talked with The Washington Post’s Lally Weymouth. Edited excerpts follow.

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Egypt Sentences Minors to Five Years for Protesting Against Egyptian-Saudi Accord

9/23/2016

Egypt sentenced five minors to five years in prison and a fine of EGP100,000 each, on accusations of illegally protesting against the Egyptian-Saudi maritime border demarcation agreement.

The defendants, who took to the streets against the agreement on Apr. 25, are facing charges of illegal protesting, joining a “terrorist group” and disturbing public order and security.

Citing a judicial source, Reuters reported that the ruling was made in absentia and the defendants can appeal it.

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Ghani’s Deal With the Devil: Hekmatyar and Transitional Justice

9/23/2016

A long delayed, elusive agreement between the government of Afghanistan and Gulbuddin Hekmatyar has been inked.

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